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TJ Simon was inspired to study BA (Hons) Film and Television Production after making skateboard videos as a youngster.

The 31-year-old is now progressing to further study with an MA Producing for Film and Television at Teesside, while working on producing his own feature film.

TJ, who is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, but moved to Middlesbrough as a child, said: 'I left school with no GCSEs and started running my own business.

'I’ve been skateboarding since I was nine and making my own videos and then I decided that I really wanted to learn more about film-making.

'It has always been there, in the shadows, but it wasn’t until my mid 20s that I realised it was my passion.

'I wanted the opportunity to engage with industry professionals in an environment that would allow me to thrive with like-minded colleagues.

'Going to university meant that I was able to learn in a safe environment where I was able to make mistakes.'

I would absolutely recommend Teesside University to anyone interested in video production.

TJ Simon

During his time at Teesside, TJ also worked on a student film, Clyde, which went on to win an award for best student comedy and entertainment film from the Royal Television Society.

He also carried out work experience with Sky News covering the 2017 general elections, WECreate Productions making a dance video, Dotted Media covering Middlesbrough Mela and Aurora House Productions filming the Teesside University graduation ceremonies.

He added: 'I would absolutely recommend Teesside University to anyone interested in video production.

'It feels really empowering for me as somebody who had no qualifications to be coming out with a first degree.

'One of the biggest thing that I took away from my degree was the understanding of the research process.

'Research is essential in any successful project, because if you’ve done your research properly, then the rest of the knowledge follows.'

In the News

Film degree leads to first class success for TJEvening Gazette, p39, 16/07/2018, Northern Echo, p48, 16/07/2018
A student who left school with no qualifications is graduating today with a first class degree and ambitions of making a feature film thanks to the support of Teesside University.